The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the previous Member claimed all targets were hit. Yes—containers have been “hit” out of the port; you cannot even find where the DO is. Who is throwing the containers out? Your Government, your Ministers, your President, your Prime Minister. Is there any use from this Government?

¶ 02 This is the Government that has most misled the people with lies. It is becoming not just a “land-grab” Government but a “drug” Government. Now you cover your faults by blaming others—the pickpocket theory: the pickpocket runs shouting “thief” and people chase someone else. You did the same: after years at the Anti-Corruption Committee, now in Government with a President and PM, a “rocket” went up and crashed; now you say you catch drugs. Catch them—and reveal those behind them. Do not protect those tied to your Government under State protection. Remember, when you point at us, more fingers point back at you.

¶ 03 International intelligence reports, including from UNODC, indicated two Tehran-origin containers at the port had drugs. What did your Government do? The Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Unit checked. The Customs chief says: the two containers that were checked and released both had drugs. Then what about the 332 containers that were released without checking?

¶ 04 When MP Archchuna spoke about the 332 unchecked containers, CID took him in. But what action did you take on those where drugs were later found? You think you can run politics in the old way. Those days are over. Why weren’t the containers seized when intelligence arrived? Those who deviated from intelligence on Easter Sunday are today in your top posts, still ignoring intelligence. Find out why.

¶ 05 During Operation “Yukthiya” before you came to power, from 17.12.2023 over eight months (236 days), large quantities were seized on land: 423 kg heroin and 449 kg “ice”. At sea, the Navy seized approx. 1,500 kg (2020), 1,400 kg (2021), 1,490 kg (2022), 720 kg (2023), and around 900 kg (2024). Strengthen the Navy to intercept at sea. Yet you jailed a former Navy Commander and intelligence officers; how will the Navy secure the seas without tech and manpower?

¶ 06 You politicize everything, even Easter. People connected to your national list had children involved; later you spun stories. Punishment was handed to some; former President Maithripala Sirisena was ordered to pay compensation; former Defence Secretary and former IGP were jailed. But two others who evaded responsibility are in your top posts today—when intelligence comes on drugs, they do nothing. As Minister in charge of Police, answer this.

¶ 07 Customs’ Narcotics Control Unit says they checked and released those containers. What is the Government position? If checked, did you learn they contained drugs? If so, who authorized their release? On the 332 containers, the State Minister for Ports took responsibility; why didn’t the Police even record his statement? The Presidential Committee report called for an investigation; you have not started it, nor tabled the report in full. The State Minister says he knows where the 332 are—go seize them. On the two containers, what action did you take? You claim a new drug find in Tangalle based on a hospital admission and a single statement—not intelligence. Do not let real terrorists and drug traffickers escape by blaming us.

¶ 08 Two last points: commendably, police officers with 10 years’ service got promotions. But the 511 cadre has not benefited; please ensure they do. Also, the northern monsoon will start soon, affecting exams; please pre-arrange alternatives so children sitting for O/L and A/L can sit their exams. Thank you.